Scary conversation with Playtex about Sippies

[Marni]

Okay--yes. I am obsessed with finding the safest sippy option for DD (16 months). Thanks to your tips though, I am trying to feed her with glass at home, and to reserve the sippies for when we are out and about.

ANYHOW, I read on here that some Playtex sippies are #7's (polycarboate--the bad stuff). DD had been using the spill-proof Playtex model with the handles, and I noticed that those had NO numbers on them...so I called the company.

They confirmed--they are made of polycarbonate. I said to the representative, "so that corrensponds to a #7, right?" and she said "yes" and I said "oh, no. that's the bad kind" and she said (get this!!!) "yes, it is." They KNOW polycarbonate is bad, and still they continue to market these things!!!! And I see them EVERYWHERE! Well, I told 3 of my mommy friends immediately, and they all tossed them. We tossed ours too -- and I went to Toys R Us and bought her #2 Playtex sippies.

I think next I'll email the company and tell them how wrong it is to still sell those sippies. I didn't get into it with the rep on the phone--I think because I found her honesty to be so refreshing and honest.

[lilmiss'mama]

I didn't know this; I'll have to check our cups. Thanks for the FYI!

[veganmamma]

I thought the playtex opaque straw cups were #5 or something. I was told they were the safest. I'm getting a Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle for dd.

[Marni]

Veganmommy, #5 is better than #7, but #1 or #2 are best (they leech the least). I am new to all of this info too (I got my education here! Mostly from the thread about going about going "totally plastic free." )

Those sip straw cups seem soooo convenient, but I decided not to buy them because they are #5's. Same with Playtex's insulated cups. Only the short, fatter, spill-proof cup with the handle on the lid seems to be a #7 though (that I know of). That is the one I called them about, because DD used that one the most. Alas, it is in the trash now.

[Maeve]

I think the one we have (though rarely use) is a #4. Is that a bad one, too?

[magemom]

Is this the number in the recycle triangle?

[e&e's_mama]

Totally clueless, please enlighten me!

Hey folks--

Could someone give me some background info on this discussion? My dc use Sippies. Although I am not a fan of plastic, I had no idea they could be harmful. Please fill me in or direct me to where I could learn.

Thanks!

[littlest birds]

A thrifty idea?: If #1 is good than what about reusing small bottled water sport bottles--isn't that what they are usually made of? Of course I guess they aren't so great for the littlest ones...

[magemom]

I found a thread called plastic free in this section. In it I found this link:
http://www.quixoticperspectives.com/...ngPoints3.html

It answered my question about plastic numbers- and will answer someone else's about #4.

Going to check my cabinets now. I needed an excuse to purge- here is the reason!

[bethwl]

Originally Posted by deeporgarten

A thrifty idea?: If #1 is good than what about reusing small bottled water sport bottles--isn't that what they are usually made of? Of course I guess they aren't so great for the littlest ones...

I've read that it's not a good idea to reuse these bottles. They are only intended to be used once. But I forget why. Perhaps someone else here has the answer.

[luv2*b*mom]

Wow, I know plastic is bad but never thought about our sippys! Thanks for the info!!

[veganmamma]

They purposely rib the water bottles you buy at the store so they harbor bacteria and cannot be used again. Those leach toxins though.

[pamamidwife]

Originally Posted by veganmamma

They purposely rib the water bottles you buy at the store so they harbor bacteria and cannot be used again. Those leach toxins though.

this is true? why would they do this for that purpose? i always thought it was to make them easier to hold on to. so even those progressive water companies just want the bottles to harbor bacteria?

[BusyMommy]

Whoa....I read that #1 is not best. It's for single use only; ie. water bottles from the grocery store that you drink and toss.

2 & 4 are "best"
5 is okay
1 is single use

[veganmamma]

Yeah, the plastic itself is single use, but the style design of the bottle harbors bacteria. They are essentially sterile when you get them sealed but once you put your mouth to them, they begin to grow bacteria. That's why in Europe people pour it into a glass. :LOL Novel concept to most Americans- why get a glass dirty, eh? Anyway, it has always been my understanding that this was another way to make the bottles single use so you'd have to buy more, but I could be wrong. There's a first time for everything.

[Sasha_girl]

Wow. I had no idea about any of this.

**Sasha quietly slips into her kitchen, where she dumps out the bottle of water she had refilled at the tap and was chilling.**

[evilgenius]

I asked DH to get some Nalgene bottles for refilling and he says they are #7. Everyone drinks out of those up here. Does anyone have suggestions for brands or types of bottles to look for? Sippy cups too.

[A&A]

Originally Posted by bethwl

I've read that it's not a good idea to reuse these bottles. They are only intended to be used once. But I forget why. Perhaps someone else here has the answer.

For one use, they are not bad. But the plastic breaks down easily, which causes the toxins to potentially leach into food.

[pilesoflaundry]

I am pretty sure any unmarked plastic things are polycarb, I know the gerber ones with handles are because they are that thin,clear "cheapy" feeling plastic. I have read here that the other ones are polycarb also, no actual statement from the company or anything though.

I do have some sippys because the insulated ones only come in #5 and although it's bad, no cold drink in tx is worse for my kids. Also in the heat plastic leaches more so I'm hoping if I use the insulated ones it won't leach (as bad) if it's a drink with ice kept cold all day then if it's a #2 that leaches from heat of the hot car/diaper bag etc on the road. (yes I know I am trying to make myself feel better!)

[natmother]

Originally Posted by veganmamma

They purposely rib the water bottles you buy at the store so they harbor bacteria and cannot be used again. Those leach toxins though.

I thought it was so that they can be crushed down easier. Man was I wrong.